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librarianlayla's Reviews (954)
I adored this book from start to finish!
April is a complex and charming character that was instantly relatable and made you root for her from the first page. This book has mystery, intrigue, drama and action. You'll fall in love with each of the characters and be swept away on their journey. I cannot wait for the sequel!
Would highly recommend to anyone who has enjoyed stories such as The Trials of Morrigan Crow, Pages and Co or A Series of Unfortunate Events.
April is a complex and charming character that was instantly relatable and made you root for her from the first page. This book has mystery, intrigue, drama and action. You'll fall in love with each of the characters and be swept away on their journey. I cannot wait for the sequel!
Would highly recommend to anyone who has enjoyed stories such as The Trials of Morrigan Crow, Pages and Co or A Series of Unfortunate Events.
I received an eARC of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hush is a poignant story of what people are willing to believe and how far they will go for the truth.
Shae is a complex and powerful character who's internal struggles will be relatable to so many people around the world. The self doubt and the quest for justice and truth in a world spun with lies is one, that particularly in this moment in history, is so relevant.
The world in which this is set, is rich with history and mystery. The magic system and the plague that has taken over this world are both unique and intriguing. I look forward to the sequel.
Truth seekers and fighters for justice, will adore this story.
Hush is a poignant story of what people are willing to believe and how far they will go for the truth.
Shae is a complex and powerful character who's internal struggles will be relatable to so many people around the world. The self doubt and the quest for justice and truth in a world spun with lies is one, that particularly in this moment in history, is so relevant.
The world in which this is set, is rich with history and mystery. The magic system and the plague that has taken over this world are both unique and intriguing. I look forward to the sequel.
Truth seekers and fighters for justice, will adore this story.
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A slow burning fire that erupts into a scorching flame!
This was a solid 4 star for me for the first half of this story, but the latter half really picked the pace up and raised the stakes.
A murder mystery wrapped in magic and tied with a demonic bow, I couldn't put this book down. Delicious and deadly, Kingdom of the Wicked will slowly draw you in, step by step until you're running wild and your heart is broken.
Fans of hate to love tropes, murder mysteries and witchy secrets will adore this story.
A slow burning fire that erupts into a scorching flame!
This was a solid 4 star for me for the first half of this story, but the latter half really picked the pace up and raised the stakes.
A murder mystery wrapped in magic and tied with a demonic bow, I couldn't put this book down. Delicious and deadly, Kingdom of the Wicked will slowly draw you in, step by step until you're running wild and your heart is broken.
Fans of hate to love tropes, murder mysteries and witchy secrets will adore this story.
Kim Reaper is a fantastically funny graphic novel focused on two girls finding their way through life and through love whilst also battling the undead and reaping souls.
I couldn't put this graphic novel down. I flew through it from start to finish! The illustrations are adorable and quirky and I can't wait to read more of Kim and Becka's adventures!
If you're looking for a spooky, witty, LGBTQIA representing graphic novel this spook season, look no further!
I couldn't put this graphic novel down. I flew through it from start to finish! The illustrations are adorable and quirky and I can't wait to read more of Kim and Becka's adventures!
If you're looking for a spooky, witty, LGBTQIA representing graphic novel this spook season, look no further!
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Japanese inspired story that had some good moments in it but sadly was just missing it's golden nugget of authenticity.
The author, like myself, is a huge fan of Japanese culture and their history, which shows within the story. But at times the writing style seemed a little sluggish.
I enjoyed the concept of the main character and her personality, she just needed to be a little more polished. I also enjoyed her interactions with others and there were some quite sad but also some quite lovely moments.
For anyone who doesn't enjoy stories that flick from past to present every other chapter then just be aware that this is what this story does.
I liked it but I wasn't in love with it sadly.
Merged review:
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Japanese inspired story that had some good moments in it but sadly was just missing it's golden nugget of authenticity.
The author, like myself, is a huge fan of Japanese culture and their history, which shows within the story. But at times the writing style seemed a little sluggish.
I enjoyed the concept of the main character and her personality, she just needed to be a little more polished. I also enjoyed her interactions with others and there were some quite sad but also some quite lovely moments.
For anyone who doesn't enjoy stories that flick from past to present every other chapter then just be aware that this is what this story does.
I liked it but I wasn't in love with it sadly.
A Japanese inspired story that had some good moments in it but sadly was just missing it's golden nugget of authenticity.
The author, like myself, is a huge fan of Japanese culture and their history, which shows within the story. But at times the writing style seemed a little sluggish.
I enjoyed the concept of the main character and her personality, she just needed to be a little more polished. I also enjoyed her interactions with others and there were some quite sad but also some quite lovely moments.
For anyone who doesn't enjoy stories that flick from past to present every other chapter then just be aware that this is what this story does.
I liked it but I wasn't in love with it sadly.
Merged review:
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Japanese inspired story that had some good moments in it but sadly was just missing it's golden nugget of authenticity.
The author, like myself, is a huge fan of Japanese culture and their history, which shows within the story. But at times the writing style seemed a little sluggish.
I enjoyed the concept of the main character and her personality, she just needed to be a little more polished. I also enjoyed her interactions with others and there were some quite sad but also some quite lovely moments.
For anyone who doesn't enjoy stories that flick from past to present every other chapter then just be aware that this is what this story does.
I liked it but I wasn't in love with it sadly.
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Powerful, moving and thought provoking.
This fantastic LGBTQIA graphic novel is perfect for anyone aged 10 up in my opinion.
Beautifully illustrated and perfectly detailed on one person's journey through self identity. Coupled with a fantasy world setting, strong friendship and love - this was a graphic novel I struggled to put down.
If you're looking for a great introductory book/graphic novel to give someone on gender identity, as well as sexual orientation and pronouns, I feel that Girl Haven does a wonderful job.
Powerful, moving and thought provoking.
This fantastic LGBTQIA graphic novel is perfect for anyone aged 10 up in my opinion.
Beautifully illustrated and perfectly detailed on one person's journey through self identity. Coupled with a fantasy world setting, strong friendship and love - this was a graphic novel I struggled to put down.
If you're looking for a great introductory book/graphic novel to give someone on gender identity, as well as sexual orientation and pronouns, I feel that Girl Haven does a wonderful job.
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3/3.5 stars.
If you can get through the first nine chapters, things start to really come together.
I was excited about this book due to the synopsis stating bad ass witches with an undercurrent of LGBTQIA rep. And it does have this, however, it takes a long time to get good.
The first nine chapters feel as if you have been dumped into the middle of a story and you have no idea what is happening. It feels as if it should be a sequel, not a first in the series. So much information is thrown at you with no background, and you have no idea what to feel for these characters.
But if you stick it out, persevere, and push past chapter nine, there are some really great moments in this book. Unfortunately most of the main characters are very similar, bar one. So I would have liked a little more diversity and fleshing out of the characters. And the witchhunters barely feature in this, apart from at the beginning, which honestly felt like a middle not a start. So the timeline felt like it could have been tidied up a little. Rearranged.
I enjoyed the deadly undercurrent to the book, and the friendship as it grew and I also liked the new take on what are this world's version of a grimoire.
3/3.5 stars.
If you can get through the first nine chapters, things start to really come together.
I was excited about this book due to the synopsis stating bad ass witches with an undercurrent of LGBTQIA rep. And it does have this, however, it takes a long time to get good.
The first nine chapters feel as if you have been dumped into the middle of a story and you have no idea what is happening. It feels as if it should be a sequel, not a first in the series. So much information is thrown at you with no background, and you have no idea what to feel for these characters.
But if you stick it out, persevere, and push past chapter nine, there are some really great moments in this book. Unfortunately most of the main characters are very similar, bar one. So I would have liked a little more diversity and fleshing out of the characters. And the witchhunters barely feature in this, apart from at the beginning, which honestly felt like a middle not a start. So the timeline felt like it could have been tidied up a little. Rearranged.
I enjoyed the deadly undercurrent to the book, and the friendship as it grew and I also liked the new take on what are this world's version of a grimoire.
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a light hearted, fun, food filled story that reminded the reader of their childlike wonder.
Wonderful illustrations, upbeat and fun characters and a magical monster world brings so much delight to this story. I thought the inclusion of delicious recipes will bring joy to so many households. Especially with most of the world in lockdown, and having to teach children from home, Monster Delights will help tie in Reading and Cooking time beautifully!
This was a light hearted, fun, food filled story that reminded the reader of their childlike wonder.
Wonderful illustrations, upbeat and fun characters and a magical monster world brings so much delight to this story. I thought the inclusion of delicious recipes will bring joy to so many households. Especially with most of the world in lockdown, and having to teach children from home, Monster Delights will help tie in Reading and Cooking time beautifully!
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ok, so did I pick this book purely because it has my name in it and I rarely find my name in books? Why yes, yes I did.
What I wasn't expecting was the parallels this characters life had with my own. This was poignant, raw and beautiful.
Layla's story is a story that belongs to so many young people around the world, struggle, neglect, responsibility and love.
An emotional ride ftom start to end. If you're looking for a heart wrenching yet inspiring story of perseverance and survival then this might just be for you.
Ok, so did I pick this book purely because it has my name in it and I rarely find my name in books? Why yes, yes I did.
What I wasn't expecting was the parallels this characters life had with my own. This was poignant, raw and beautiful.
Layla's story is a story that belongs to so many young people around the world, struggle, neglect, responsibility and love.
An emotional ride ftom start to end. If you're looking for a heart wrenching yet inspiring story of perseverance and survival then this might just be for you.
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Heartfelt, inspiring and hard hitting. Quincredible is sure to sweep you off your feet!
Growing up, I could name on one hand the superheroes who looked like me and members of my family. Partly due to the lack of resources where I grew up, but also, because there just aren't enough. Quincredible gives young, black, graphic novel enthusiast's something to look forward to. I loved it and couldn't put it down.
Heartfelt, inspiring and hard hitting. Quincredible is sure to sweep you off your feet!
Growing up, I could name on one hand the superheroes who looked like me and members of my family. Partly due to the lack of resources where I grew up, but also, because there just aren't enough. Quincredible gives young, black, graphic novel enthusiast's something to look forward to. I loved it and couldn't put it down.